Returning to The Raceway at Western Fair District where she was claimed by her current connections last fall, Charmbo Stormy stormed off cover to win the track's top distaff class, the $11,500 Fillies & Mares Preferred Handicap Pace, on Friday, May 9.
Driver Austin Sorrie was able to find a hole for post six starter Charmbo Stormy early on landing sixth while Ladies From Hell (Lorne House) and Wildcat Delight (Brett MacDonald) traded turns on the lead through a contested :27.3 opening panel.
As the mares rounded the turn heading toward the grandstand, Sorrie sent Charmbo Stormy on her way and picked up cover as Caughtstealinghome (Daryl Thiessen) went first-up from third and raced alongside the leading Wildcat Delight, who stole a second quarter breather to the half in :57.3.
Caughtstealinghome gained the advantage outside of Wildcat Delight down the backstretch while Ladies From Hell, The Raceway's reigning Aged Pacing Mare of the Year, gapped the leaders from the pocket and backed through the field with a flat tire.
Wildcat Delight fought back as they raced to three-quarters in 1:26 with Charmbo Stormy ready to pounce on the duelling duo, rallying three-wide turning for home and pacing by in deep stretch for the 1:56.1 triumph. Wildcat Delight held on for second 1-1/4 lengths behind while Saulsbrook Olympia (J Harris), winner of this class two weeks ago, closed from the backfield for third.
Sent postward as the 7-2 third choice in the field of eight, Charmbo Stormy paid $9.30 to win. The seven-year-old mare by Sportswriter out of Charmbo Lucky was a dominant winner in her last start at The Raceway on Nov. 22, 2024 when she was claimed for $10,000 by Ron Nobes of Fergus, Ont. Trained by Jared Mann, she's won half of her 18 starts since while banking $76,250.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Western Fair Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada; photo of Charmbo Stormy from a previous win at Woodbine Mohawk Park)